Michigan has reported 20 measles cases in 2026 through late October, including one in Macomb County, which borders the Grosse Pointes to the north.

Sixteen of those cases involved children and teenagers age 17 or younger, according to figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), reported by FOX 2 Detroit on Oct. 26.

The cases span eight Michigan counties: Washtenaw, Ottawa, Delta, Monroe, Macomb, Tuscola, Missaukee and Osceola.

Washtenaw County accounted for seven cases, Ottawa County for four and Delta County for three. The remaining six cases were distributed among five other counties.

The state's measles dashboard is updated weekly on Thursdays. Case counts may change as health departments confirm additional infections.

Macomb County confirms local case

The Macomb County Health Department announced its first 2026 measles case on April 23.

The department said it was working with MDHHS to notify anyone who might have been exposed. No public exposure locations were identified in that announcement.

Andrew Cox, director and health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services, emphasized vaccination as the most effective protection against the disease.

A separate exposure involving an out-of-state traveler was reported at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

According to Wayne County Public Health's May 8 notice, the traveler passed through the airport's McNamara Terminal on April 23. The county identified a possible exposure period that evening.

That announcement concerned a past exposure, not a newly identified exposure in October.

National infections exceed 2025 total

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,588 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2026 as of Oct. 22.

That is more than double the 2,289 cases reported during all of 2025.

The CDC said most 2026 cases were associated with outbreaks, underscoring how quickly the disease can spread when susceptible people are exposed.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves.

About nine out of 10 people without immunity who are exposed to measles can become infected.

What families should know

The CDC identifies vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective protection against measles.

According to the CDC's vaccine guidance, two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles, compared with approximately 93% for one dose.

Routine childhood vaccination recommendations call for a first dose at 12–15 months and a second dose at 4–6 years. Different recommendations may apply to people traveling internationally or facing particular exposure risks.

Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading.

People who suspect they have measles should contact a health care provider before arriving at a medical office or emergency department, allowing staff to take precautions against exposing others.

Macomb County residents with questions about their vaccination status can contact the county health department at 586-469-5372 or 586-465-8537.

Families can follow MDHHS measles updates for current case counts and any new public exposure notices.